Entertainment
Who Is El DeBarge? 'Raising Asia' Is Bringing the R&B Star To TV
In the past few episodes of Lifetime's Raising Asia , it's seemed like tension has been building between Asia's choreographer Anthony Burrell, manager Billy Hufsey, and parents. Billy booked Asia an opening act slot at an artist named Dario's album release party, but the Rays and Burrell were less than pleased with the venue's quality and the amount of people in attendance. Billy's reputation is on the line now, so when he booked a space for Asia to perform at El Debarge's birthday celebration, this was big. But wait, I thought, who is El DeBarge?
I honestly had no idea! After surfing the web, and consulting some of my older relatives, I discovered exactly who he is. Here's what you should know about El DeBarge.
He Was A Member Of A Family Band
Just like the Jonas Brothers and the Brady Bunch, DeBarge was a member of a family band. The aptly named sibling ’80s R&B group, Debarge, was fronted by El until 1985 when he left the group to pursue a solo career.
Does He Have A Love Child?
A few media outlets have reported that a Sabastian “Tian” McKissack is claiming to be the love child of El DeBarge and R&B singer Pebbles. DeBarge took to his Twitter account to dispel the rumors, while the alleged “love child” is writing a tell-all memoir that should be released within the next year.
Urban Daily reports that the book, set to be titled Deceptions of Achievement, will “be a memoir detailing his life in the shadow of his two R&B star parents. The book is supposed to discuss how their decision not to acknowledge him has negatively affected his life.” Hmm, seems like it’ll be a juicy read.
Image: ElDeBarge/Twitter
He Has Solo Music Too
In 1986, Debarge launched a solo career with a self-titled debut album. That album featured a song from the movie Short Circuit, which was called Who’s Johnny. He released a few solo albums — Gemini in 1989, In The Storm in 1992, and Heart, Mind and Soul in 1994 — none of which received much critical acclaim.
He's Done His Time Behind Bars
In 2008, E! reported that DeBarge was sentenced to two years in prison after being caught in possession of crack cocaine while on parole from a 2001 arrest. In a 2010 interview with Essence, DeBarge credited his time in jail for inspiring him to get back into his music.
You Can Interact With Him On Twitter
Occasionally, El tracks the hashtag #Debarge and answers questions, concerns, or comments from fans on Twitter. If you’re interested in hearing more about him, go ahead and Tweet at him!
Image: ElDeBarge/Twitter
